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"Go Tell It on the Mountain" is an African American spiritual believed to be composed by John Wesley Work Jr., who was considered one of the first African American collectors of folk songs and spirituals. This work of "sophisticated simplicity" is a perfect segue into the month of February. The song beckons us to "tell our history over the mountain tops, the hills, and the valleys low. During this month, we celebrate the heroic contributions and monumental achievements of people from the African diaspora who were intentionally left out of the history of America.

Join me on this systematic ride as we pay homage to the historical legacy of Martin and his prophetic discourse, "No, no, we're not satisfied and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream," and Malcolm's confirmation that we must obtain justice and freedom, "By any means necessary," and Marcus's affirmation, "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without its roots," to Marley's "Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up: don't give up the fight, and so we commemorate, congratulate and most of all educate the human race about African Americans' cultural background and the many achievements of black Americans across this nation.

So let us continue to explore history through the microscopic lens of freedom, justice and equality as we pay tribute to local trailblazers who fought on the front lines of the battlefield so that we might enjoy a better life.

Willie Johnson Jr., Rochester Fire Department(Photo: Provided photos)

And so my family and I are proud to celebrate my father's legacy of hard work and dedication. Willie Johnson Jr. is one of the first African American firefighters to integrate the Rochester Fire Department in the the 60s when segregation and isolation and discrimination was at its peak. After 39 years, my father finally decided to hang up his helmet, and pick up his hammer to help with the reconstruction of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina.

Another local person of prominence who changed the face of politics between 1961-65, is Constance Mitchell who served two terms on the Monroe County Board of Supervisors (currently known as the Monroe County Legislature). Mitchell was the first African American woman to be elected.

And so we owe this continued celebration of greatness to Rochester's first African American woman Mayor Lovely Warren because "she is the dream and the hope of the slave."

As you continue to partake in the spirit filled activities and social gatherings during the month of February, please join us as here at the MAG for Black History Month Family Day as we chronicle the important milestones of persons from the African diaspora through art, music, dance and spoken word. This year's theme "Sounds of Color" focuses on the rich and diverse culture and heritage of my people.

And now I leave you with this adage from the first African American president, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - President Barack Obama